This holiday season, many are excited about some COVID-19 restrictions lifting. So excited in fact, that many Christmas attractions are opening in San Francisco starting November 1st. Over the years, many have developed traditions of visiting their favorite places in the city every year with their families and friends during the holidays. NDB students shared where some of the most fun and popular places are to go, along with where their favorite places to go are.

San Francisco is a popular place to visit around the holidays. One of the most favored places to visit in the City is the Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square. It is set in a perfect location, close to many other places one might visit like Macy’s and downtown restaurants. Additionally, a large and beautiful Christmas tree is set up adjacent to the ice rink. It is a great location to visit with anyone, and will guarantee to get the visitor in the holiday mood.

The Holiday Ice Rink is NDB senior Kayla George’s favorite places to visit in San Francisco.

“I really like going to Golden Gate park for running,” said George. “And Union Square with my friends during the holidays.”

Another favorite activity sure to interest many is the great selection of plays and musicals that are offered only around Christmas time. The most popular production is the San Francisco Ballet Nutcracker that is playing from December 10-30th at the San Francisco Ballet. The production “A Christmas Carol”, put on by The American Conservatory Theater, is another fantastic option. The show will be running until December 26.

“My family and I always go up to the city and see a play a couple days before Christmas,” said NDB sophomore, Ryann Leyte-Vidal. “We go early in the morning and get breakfast and hot chocolate after. It is always really fun and I always look forward to it.”

Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf is also a fun place to visit around the holidays. There are tree lightings, performances, and a boat parade held by the St. Francis Yacht Club on a to-be-determined Friday in December. These multitude of events provide every person a diverse range of options, sure to catch anyone’s attention.

Hopefully families all around the Bay Area can take advantage of the fun things to do in San Francisco this holiday season, and have a great Winter Break.